A Critique of the Proposed National Education Policy Reform
English for a job interview
1. ENGLISH FOR A JOB
INTERVIEW
THE MOST COMMON
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
2. Tell me about yourself.
This is the dreaded, classic, open-ended
interview question and likely to be among the
first. It's your chance to:
Introduce your qualifications
Good work habits.
Be prepared: have a short statement in your
mind.
Keep it mostly work and career related.
3. Why do you want to leave your current job?
(Why did you leave your last job?)
Be careful with this. Avoid trashing other
employers and making statements like, "I need
more money." Instead, make generic statements
such as, "It's a career move."
4. What are your strengths?
Point out your positive attributes related to the job.
Your ability to prioritize
Your problem-solving skills
Your ability to work under pressure
Your competence to focus on projects
Your professional expertise
Your leadership skills
Your positive attitude
Your interpersonal skills
5. What are your weaknesses?
Everybody has weaknesses, but don't spend too
much time on this one and keep it work related.
Along with a minor weakness or two, try to point
out a couple of weaknesses that the interviewer
might see as strengths, such as sometimes
being a little too meticulous about the quality of
your work. (Avoid saying "I work too hard." It's a
predictable, common answer.) For every
weakness, offer a strength that compensates for
it.
6. Which adjectives would you use to describe
yourself?
• Answer with positive, work-oriented adjectives,
such as:
conscientious
hard-working
honest and courteous
plus a brief description or example of why each
fits you well.
7. • What do you know about our company?
To answer this one, research the company
before your interview. Find out where they have
been and where they are going.
Get the information through:
The company website
Social networking pages (Twitter, Facebook,
Linkedin)
If possible talk to the company employees.
8. Why do you want to work for us?
Avoid the predictable, such as, "Because it's a
great company." Say why you think it's a great
company.
9. • Why should I hire you?
Point out your positive attributes related to
the job, and the good job you've done in
the past. Include any compliments you've
received from management.
10. What past accomplishments gave you
satisfaction?
Briefly describe one to three work projects that
made you proud or earned you pats on the back,
promotions, raises, etc. Focus more on
achievement than reward.
11. How do you handle pressure and stress?
This is sort of a tricky question, because you're
likely already stressed from the interview and the
interviewer can see if you're handling it well or
not.
Everybody feels stress, but the degree varies.
Exercising, relaxing with a good book,
socializing with friends or turning stress into
productive energy are correct answers.
12. Where do you see yourself five (ten or fifteen)
years from now?
Explain your career-advancement goals.
Your interviewer is more interested in your future
professional plans.
It's a good idea to tell your potential new boss
that you'd like to earn a senior or management
position.
13. Do you have any question for me?
Always have some questions prepared:
How would my performance be evaluated?
What opportunities for advancement exist?
Is there a training program?
What would my responsabilities and duties be?
Where will I be working?
14. For more information and reference material:
bianchiteacher@hotmail.com
http://www.delicious.com/bianchiteacher/job